Are your kids prone to distraction? Get live advice here.

From Asperger's to ADHD, this month's live parenting chat focuses on parenting children prone to distraction.

There are a few sensory therapies in our area. I have the closest relationship with Sensory Systems, Inc in St Clair Shores.

by Shelly Baniavia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:28:24 PM

Happy almost 8th birthday to Amelia!

by Maryanne MacLeodvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:29:17 PM

We used sensory systems. And I read read read as much as I could find on that topic. Then made educated choices for what may help my child's specific needs

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:29:38 PM

Medical Home is not a physical element, but rather a method of practice. Macomb County is making it happen as we speak (type) where primary docs will be a medical "home" for the child and will be able to coordinate services - and BILL for the time. For example, they may be able to sit in on an IEP - imagine that!

by Shelly Baniavia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:30:26 PM

Did you do the same with your daughter who has AD/HD? Was it similar to AS?

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:30:49 PM

The Autism society chapter of Macomb/stclair is a wonderful organization run by people with YEARS of experience. They are a wealth of knowledge for those needing information

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:31:10 PM

With ADhD many people notice that they have a child who runs around, jumps, pushes etc...aggressive behavior. Our story was a bit different

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:32:12 PM

She had wonderful grades and poor citizenship in elementary

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:32:39 PM

Stays on task, follows directions etc.. So we had her tested and got her glasses in 3rd grade.

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:33:10 PM

If she wasn't aggressive, why the poor citizenship?

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:33:10 PM

Then in 5th her teacher gave her wonderful marks all around but said, I just have to give her more reminders. If that child sees a squirrel her attention is gone

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:34:06 PM

So if she stays on task and follows directions, it must have come from the reminders?

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:34:49 PM

So middle school was the place we found it started to unravel. ^ classes, 6 books, 6 folders, 6 teachers, 6 times in the hallway ahhhhh too much for her

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:35:15 PM

Ok, I see, so how did you help her with that?

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:35:59 PM

Reminders did not work in that environment. I had a teacher give me his honest opinion

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:36:09 PM

We then asked for a CONNERS evaluation. The parent, student, teachers fill it out. All questions regarding the child. This we took to the pediatrician

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:37:00 PM

Her marks for distractability, impulsivity etc... were very high

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:37:44 PM

I had always thought, feed them well, no video games, play had, good sleep etc... would be enough. But it wasn't

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:38:28 PM

After you took the eval to her doctor, what was the next step that he/she recommended?

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:38:33 PM

So we started with meds. We went through 2 years of 3 types different doses etc..

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:39:12 PM

I know that can be very difficult!!

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:39:42 PM

Did she have any sensory issues too?

by Shelly Baniavia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:39:48 PM

I wanted to get it all hashed out before high school. She is currently taking a dose that works for her. Her grades are excellent. She is in student council. Participates in other after school activities.

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:40:23 PM

Starting it, having them get used to it; then when you find out it doesn't work, don't you have to wean them off of it before starting another?

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:40:30 PM

Her only sensory issue is that she has AdhD and her Aspie sister perseverates so having a child who finds concentration an issue with someone who never stops repeating is pretty distracting

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:41:37 PM

To the meds question. Yes we used summer for that transition time

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:42:14 PM

Sounds like she is thriving and celebrating many strengths and interests!

by Shelly Baniavia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:43:16 PM

In parenting classes, I find some of the med issues, family issues, etc. come up quite a lot. Any tips on getting through it?

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:44:04 PM

My best advise is to use your computer to see what's out there, for either issue. She what looks like a good fit for your child, think of it all as a great adventure that no one has ever exactly been on. Some people will have help/suggestions but it's all so individual. Cry when you need to. Have a good friend who listens but isn't a "fixer"

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:44:35 PM

You are a parenting facilitator so parents want to know if there are discipline techniques that you use with kids who are on the spectrum.

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:45:55 PM

Take classes, read, get to know your child, love them,

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:46:10 PM

I know that you've taken CARE's STEP parenting classes. Even though it was not specifically geared towards AD/HD, did you find it helpful and if so how?

I messages are hard for the AS daughter because empathy is difficult for her to understand but it helps her to hear what other peoples "feelings" are. We can then compare how I feel to a time she may have felt that way.

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:48:25 PM

The entire program applies to ADhd with a bit of individualizing

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:49:28 PM

Do you also find it helpful to adjust your expectations to her development age and not necessarily her chronological age? If so - in what ways did it help?

by Shelly Baniavia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:50:38 PM

Realizing what a child can remember to do giving 1 step directions. Being SPECIFIC all really helps. The biggest help with the Parenting classes is the difference it makes in you, as a parent.

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:50:48 PM

Those are some great tips. Anyone interested in our parenting classes, can check our schedule online at www.careofsem.com or call CARE at 586.541.2273. Lots of time just having a support group helps a lot.

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:52:06 PM

Amelia is developmentally behind across all areas, physical, emotional, cognitive, social. We have never had expectations associated with age

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:52:21 PM

Did that help with your frustration level?

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:52:49 PM

We never compare her to anything but what she use to do something and how she does it now. Never to anyone else or some imaginary developmental or age goal we've set.

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:54:30 PM

Our only goal is KEEP MOVING FORWARD

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:54:47 PM

that is how she use to do something

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:55:18 PM

You are very inspiring Jennifer!

by Shelly Baniavia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:55:28 PM

As Maryanne said earlier, you are your child's best advocate. It sounds like you took this to heart.

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:56:22 PM

What I find the hardest is not thinking my daughter is being lazy, sloppy, defiant etc (with ADhd) because it is a hidden disability I need to have patience love and plenty of reminders ready for her.

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:56:46 PM

Teresa, do we have a topic for next month's parenting chat?

by Bruce MacLeodvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:56:56 PM

So it sounds like support, training, medications, patience, and perserverance are the trick.

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:57:06 PM

Yes, Bruce, next month's chat will focus on our Arabic parenting class starting in April!! Is it time to say goodnight Gracie??

by Teresa Sandnervia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:57:53 PM

It's time to say goodnight, Gracie

by Bruce MacLeodvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:58:19 PM

No one will advocate for your child like you can if you put your mind to it and refuse to be discouraged. Your child deserves the best, you go into the school and demand they get it. YES TERESA that is all so important

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:58:20 PM

Thanks for sharing with us today, Jennifer.

by Bruce MacLeodvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:58:33 PM

Good night gracie, and thank you for having me

by Jennifer Crooksvia DFM: The Oakland Press2/5/2014 5:58:47 PM

I would like to thank Shelly and Jennifer for their resources and valuable input. I believe that we are having a breakout session at our parenting conference that deals with AD/HD. It takes place at the MISD on Sat, March 8, 8:30-3;30. Check out our website for details!!

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